Are you dreaming of that perfect crusty French baguette, warm from the oven and bursting with flavor? Forget the bakery; this easy recipe lets you bake authentic French bread at home! This King Arthur Flour-inspired recipe is surprisingly simple, perfect for beginner bakers, yet delivers professional results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying homemade bread. It's a fantastic addition to any meal, perfect for dipping in soup, creating sandwiches, or simply enjoying on its own. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375g) King Arthur Bread Flour (or all-purpose flour, but bread flour yields a chewier loaf)
- 1 ¼ cups (296ml) lukewarm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
- Cornmeal or semolina flour, for dusting
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and kicking, crucial for a successful rise.
Mixing the Dough:
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry if it's a little sticky at this stage.
Kneading the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for 6-8 minutes. This step develops the gluten, leading to a better texture.
First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Loaf:
- Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a long oval. You can achieve this by gently stretching the dough and folding it over itself several times.
Second Rise (Proofing):
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with cornmeal or semolina flour. Place the shaped loaves on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side up. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until almost doubled.
Baking the Bread:
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a baking stone or baking sheet inside (this helps create a crisp crust). If you don't have a baking stone, place a baking sheet in the oven while preheating.
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Carefully place the loaves onto the hot baking stone or preheated baking sheet. For extra crispy crust, spritz the loaves with water before baking.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are deeply golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling and Enjoying:
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Resist the urge to cut into it while it’s still warm! The crust needs to firm up.
Tips for Success:
- Water Temperature: Make sure your water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is essential for developing gluten, resulting in a chewier loaf.
- Rising Time: Rising times can vary depending on the ambient temperature. If your kitchen is cool, it might take longer.
- Oven Spring: The dramatic rise of the bread in the oven is called oven spring. It's a beautiful sight and a testament to a well-made dough.
Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) to the dough.
- Garlic Bread: Brush the baked loaf with garlic butter after baking.
- Sesame Seed Bread: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the loaves before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and serving size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients you've used. Generally, expect a serving to be relatively high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat. French bread is a good source of fiber.
This King Arthur French bread recipe is a journey into the rewarding world of homemade baking. The aroma alone is worth the effort! Enjoy this delicious, easy recipe, and share your baking adventures with us!